Data Shows Foreign-Born Entrepreneurs Drive U.S. Billion-Dollar Startups
A report by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) has revealed that foreign-born entrepreneurs remain a driving force behind the creation of billion-dollar companies in the United States, with founders from India, Israel, and the United Kingdom leading the pack.
According to the data, Indian-born entrepreneurs top the list, having founded 66 billion-dollar companies, underscoring India’s deep ties to America’s technology and innovation landscape. Israel follows closely with 54 founders, reflecting the country’s reputation as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial talent.
The United Kingdom ranks third, with 27 founders, while Canada and China account for 22 and 21 respectively.
Several European countries also feature prominently, including France with 18 founders, Germany with 15, and Russia with 11.
From Eastern Europe, Ukraine has produced 10 founders, while Poland, Romania, and Italy each recorded six. Nigeria also stands out from Africa with six billion-dollar company founders, alongside Kenya and South Africa, which produced three each.
Other regions contributed notable numbers: Iran produced eight founders, Australia seven, and Brazil, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Korea five apiece. Smaller but significant contributions came from countries such as Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Lebanon, Taiwan,
Turkey, and the Philippines, each accounting for between three and four founders.
The report highlights that America’s entrepreneurial success is truly global in character. Nations ranging from Argentina and Mexico to Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland are represented among founders of billion-dollar firms. Even countries with just one or two representatives—such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Austria, Colombia, and Uzbekistan—demonstrate how diverse backgrounds have shaped the U.S. startup ecosystem.
NFAP noted that the findings underline the crucial role of immigration in sustaining American economic dynamism. By bringing in talent from across the world, the United States has continued to build a thriving ecosystem where ideas from different cultures and countries have blossomed into some of the most successful companies globally.
